Second Princess Elizalina-sama
When we arrived at the ballroom where the Royal Exchange was being held, it was arranged just like last time. Tables were filled with a wide variety of dishes, musicians held their instruments, and dancers were present to add color to the event.
Just as before, the director of the noble academy began serving as host.
“As I mentioned at the start of the last Royal Exchange, this event offers all of you, who will one day shoulder the future of our nation, a rare chance to interact directly with royalty and their associates. It’s a unique experience reserved for students of the noble academy, so I hope you will all learn a great deal from this second gathering as well.”
After the director addressed us, all the students, myself included, responded with enthusiastic applause.
Once the applause subsided, the director continued.
“Now then, Second Princess Elizalina-sama and esteemed members of the royal family, we look forward to your guidance.”
At those words, many figures presumed to be royalty and their associates appeared on the second-floor balcony of the ballroom. At the center stood a woman with bright pink hair tied into two bunches, wearing a red dress.
One glance was enough to know she was royalty. This had to be Second Princess Elizalina-sama.
As Elizalina-sama appeared, the room was once again filled with applause. I joined in just as I had before.
She then raised her hand slightly to signal for the applause to stop, and the hall soon fell silent.
Elizalina-sama then began to speak.
“Hello, I am Second Princess Elizalina. I have truly been looking forward to meeting and speaking with all of you today. Please don’t hesitate to approach either me or the other members of the royal entourage. Let’s enjoy this gathering together.”
Her calm voice carried through the hall, followed by another round of applause. Felisiana-sama had projected a great sense of dignity, but Elizalina-sama gave off a different impression.
That wasn’t to say she was any less royal. Even without the commanding aura, she stood out with a presence of her own. There was a poised ease about her, a sign that she was quite used to events like this.
This was Second Princess Elizalina-sama. Just as Florence-san had said, Felisiana-sama gave off a stronger sense of authority, but Elizalina-sama was clearly royal in her own way.
As I observed her for the first time and considered all this, Elizalina-sama glanced briefly in my direction.
It truly was just a moment before she looked away again. She was likely scanning the other students as well.
Once the applause ended, the people who had been on the second floor descended the staircase. With the students beginning to converse with members of the royal family, the second Royal Exchange officially began.
“Lux-sama.”
“Yes?”
Florence-san, who stood beside me, called out. I turned toward her.
“If you wouldn’t mind…”
Just as Florence-san began to speak…
“Are you Floria Florence-san of the Duke Florence family?”
A woman approached and addressed Florence-san.
Based on her attire, she wasn’t a student of the noble academy. That meant…
“Yes, I am. And you are… someone associated with the royal family?”
“That’s right! I work in architecture, and I have the deepest respect for the Florence family’s achievements in that field. I would love the chance to speak with you about it!”
“Well… I appreciate that, but…”
“If I miss this chance, I may never have another opportunity to speak with you. Please, I beg you!”
Her passion was striking. She must have a true admiration for the Florence family’s architectural work.
Watching their exchange, I spoke up.
“Florence-san, you don’t need to worry about me. Why not speak with her for a little while?”
“You’re right. This sort of encounter is probably one of the unique charms of the Royal Exchange. In that case, Lux-sama, shall we meet again in about twenty minutes on the second floor?”
The phrase “second floor” might seem vague in general, but since nearly everyone stayed on the first floor for food and music, it served well enough as a meeting point.
“Got it. I’ll see you then.”
“Yes.”
After Florence-san gave me a gentle smile, I stepped away and glanced around the room, thinking about whom I might speak with next.
“…Elizalina-sama really does have such a strong presence.”
Even in a room filled with people, she stood out right away.
Compared to when Felisiana-sama had visited, the number of students surrounding Elizalina-sama was noticeably larger.
Felisiana-sama carried such a powerful aura that many students had probably felt intimidated to approach her. Elizalina-sama, on the other hand, was deeply involved in national mediation, which likely made her more approachable and familiar to others.
“…Maybe I should try speaking with her too.”
Just as I took a step in her direction…
“Rodwell-sama.”
I heard a voice call my name from behind.
And I immediately recognized that voice.
When I turned around, I saw someone in a beautifully tailored dress. The gown featured a violet and lavender base with black accents at the cuffs and hem. She wore a high-quality hat pulled low over her face.
The hat was so low I couldn’t make out her hair color or eyes.
“Umm… Violet-san…”
“This setting isn’t ideal. Please come with me for a moment.”
“Huh…? O-Okay.”
I didn’t fully understand the situation, but from her voice and presence, I was sure she was Violet-san, Felisiana-sama’s attendant. I followed her.
She led me to a private room prepared for individuals who had grown closer to enjoy tea together in private.
Once inside, Violet-san removed her hat, revealing her violet hair and beautiful eyes. She turned away from me briefly to tie her hair back neatly, then faced me again.
Looking somewhat nervous, she hesitated before speaking.
“R-Rodwell-sama… um… This is my first time wearing an outfit like this. H-How do I look?”
“You look amazing! Wait, is this really your first time wearing something like that? It’s hard to believe. You look absolutely stunning.”
“…! D-Do you really think so?”
“Yes! I truly do. You look incredible.”
“Thank you… very much.”
As I said that, Violet-san lowered her gaze and quietly offered her thanks.
After a brief pause, she lifted her head and said,
“Rodwell-sama… I’ve always wanted to talk to you like this, just the two of us. If you’re willing, would you spend a little time with me now?”
“I’ve wanted to talk with you too, Violet-san. Let’s not stop at just a little while. I’d love to talk with you for as long as we can.”
Hearing her say she wanted to talk made me genuinely happy. When I replied, she gave a small smile and nodded. The two of us then sat across from each other at the table in that private room and began our conversation.